Upper Lough Erne is located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, forming the southern portion of the Erne system — counterintuitively positioned to the south of Lower Lough Erne. The lough is characterized by a maze of bays, narrow channels of slow-moving water, and innumerable islands and peninsulas, making it one of the most sheltered and beginner-friendly paddling venues in Northern Ireland. This complex landscape is the result of a flooded drumlin terrain, giving the lough a fragmented, intricate geography quite different from the open expanse of Lower Lough Erne to the north.

The overall character of Upper Lough Erne is calm and well-suited to families and novice paddlers. The sheltered channels and numerous islands provide natural protection from wind, and the flow of the Erne system runs from south to north — from Upper to Lower Lough Erne — though the current on the lough sections themselves is negligible. Wind direction is a far more significant factor than current when planning a paddle here.

Access to the water is free and no licence is required. Numbered access points along the Lough Erne Canoe Trail serve the area, including Carrybridge (Access Point 7), Knockninny (Access Point 8), Smith's Strand (Access Point 9), and Crom Estate (Access Point 10). Because the lough's island-dotted layout allows paddlers to loop back to their starting point, shuttles are generally unnecessary, though local hire providers can arrange them if needed.

Upper Lough Erne connects to a broader network of waterways. To the south, the Woodford River links to the Shannon-Erne Waterway, which extends approximately 63 km to Leitrim in the Republic of Ireland and ultimately all the way to Limerick. To the north, the River Erne flows through Enniskillen and connects to Lower Lough Erne. The River Erne flowing in from Belturbet also links the system to Lough Oughter and Lough Gowna in County Cavan.

Points of interest accessible by paddle include Crom Estate, Knockninny, Naan Island, Trannish Island, and what is locally referred to as Hara Krishna Island. The surrounding shores support notable wildlife including whooper swans and great crested grebes. The area is also noted for wild camping opportunities along quiet stretches of shoreline.